Brazil, South America

Malaria Risk & Vaccination Information

What is the risk of malaria in Brazil?

The risk of Malaria is high throughout certain areas of Brazil, especially the Amazon basin region including Manaus and here a prescription antimalarial such as Malarone, Doxycycline or Lariam should be taken. For all other areas, including the Iguacu Falls, there is low to no risk and bite aviodance measures should be folllowed

Please check HERE to see a malaria map of Brazil on fitfortravel (a NHS website).

What Malaria prophylaxis do I need to prevent malaria in Brazil?

If you don't already have a prescription from your Doctor for malaria medication, you can save precious time by using our online consultation service to order the suitable malaria medicines for this region by clicking on the following links. Any of the medicine listed can be recommended for malaria prevention in this region. If you already have a prescription for malaria medicine from your Family Doctor, then you can order the quantity on your prescription(s) on the following links. For Travelpharm will supply your prescription, once we receive it from you. When you place your order on one of the links below, please follow the instructions on where to send the prescription.

What else can I do to prevent malaria?

This is a virus passed on by being bitten by infected mosquitos. The incubation period is typically 3–7 days and symptoms include acute onset of fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, conjunctivitis, nausea/vomiting, or rash. The symptoms usually go within 10 days but in some may last months especially the elderly and people with underlying health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

As this is a virus, there is no medication to prevent or treat the disease and anti-malarial tablets such as Chloroquine will not have an effect on it.

Bite avoidance measures should be taken and followed firmly to reduce the likelihood of being bitten.

The affected mosquitoes tend to bite during the day so wear long sleeved clothing and trousers wherever possible and ensure that a strong insect repellent is used and reapplied regularly, especially after swimming.

You should also sleep under a mosquito net and if you are staying for a long time or are unsure of the hotel/hostel, it would be advisable to take a battery operated or plug in mosquito killer for your room to kill any lingering mosquitos.

What Vaccines do I need for Brazil?

Below is a table designed to show you what vaccines are mandatory, recommended or ones to consider when visiting Brazil: